Christian Wood — PF, 6-10, 210
Freshman, 18 years old
Season (13 mpg): 4.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1 BPG
41% FG, 11-50 three-pointers
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
From “Revisiting ‘Under the Radar’ College Freshmen” Christian Wood | UNLV Season (13 mpg): 4.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1 BPG Trending: Down Outlook: At 6-10 with a 7-2 wingspan, Wood is a long athlete who can hit the deep ball on the catch, but right now he’s just too skinny for the NBA game. As a freshman nearly half of Wood’s shot attempts (50 of 117) were 3-pointers. He remains an effective, offensive mismatch, but he’s a perimeter-oriented player who’s devoid of interior skills. Per Synergy, Wood “popped” to the perimeter on all 21 of his pick-and-roll attempts this season (instead of diving to the rim). He’s too skinny to initiate—and even more concerning, to absorb—contact, and he lacks a back-to-the-basket game. Right now Wood is overly reliant on his jump shot and too skinny to bang in the post. But he can shoot it from deep and he’s 6-10. The intrigue is based in “upside” not current production. If Wood returns to UNLV next season (he needs a place where he’ll get minutes to develop), he needs to (a) add muscle; and (b) develop interior skills. Even an elbow jump shot would go a long way. But Wood won’t make the NBA as a one-trick pony from the 3-point line. Wood’s combination of shooting, athleticism and rebounding are worth taking a look at only if he can add weight and a mid-to interior-range game. This summer will be vital in his development. Video Shooting Struggles Around the Basket Makes Finishing Struggles (weak) Christian Wood | UNLV Quick Thoughts: Wood fell under the radar because he committed to UNLV at the beginning of his junior year. He possesses a unique skill set for his size, as he can shoot the 3-ball at 6-10. His jumpshot is smoother and more consistent than, say, freshman-year Isaiah Austin. He’s only starting to scratch his basketball potential—he has virtually no inside game right now, and is too skinny to finish through contact—but his size and shooting skills are there. If he adds muscle to his frame and displays any semblance of interior skills, Wood should earn playing time at UNLV. Wood is young for his grade, and his combination of shooting and athleticism make him a prospect worth keeping track of. How He Fits: Projected Starting Lineup I’m not sure how Wood has physically developed since last season, but if he’s gained weight, he should see minutes in UNLV’s frontcourt rotation. Dave Rice has been known to play freshman, and considering Wood’s upside, I expect him to garner playing time from the start.
*If the videos do not appear, please “refresh” the webpage once
PF, 6-10, 210
18 years old
41% FG, 11-50 three-pointers
From “‘Under the Radar’” College Freshmen
PF, 6-10, 210
F — Khem Birch (Jr)
F — Roscoe Smith (Jr)
G — Bryce Dejean-Jones (Jr)
G — Jelan Kendrick (Jr)
G — Deville Smith (Jr)